Pennsylvania’s online casinos and poker rooms solidified their position as the “state’s most dependable gaming revenue generator” in May as they racked up more than $110 million in gross revenue.
Gross gaming revenues for online casinos and poker rooms were up 54.6% from the $71.6 million reported in May 2020 but fell just short of the record $111.6 million set in March.
Wagering on online casino games reached $3.3 billion in May, having increased from $1.8 billion in May 2020 and up from $3.2 billion in April.
“Online casino revenue continues to dwarf revenue from sports betting, and that gap should only grow over the summer months,” said Valerie Cross, analyst for PlayPennsylvania.com.
“Even as customers return to brick-and-mortar casinos, the gains in revenue at online casinos and poker rooms made over the last year should hold. It has become a revenue-generating powerhouse for the gaming industry and for the state.”
The state’s online and retail sportsbooks accepted $447.5 million in wagers in May, down 6.7% from $479.4 million in April.
“The seasonal slowdown will continue to be a factor until bettors can place bets on Eagles, Steelers, and Penn State football games,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for the PlayUSA.com network, which includes PlayPennsylania.com.
“And with the popularity of online casinos holding even as retail casino customers return, the state’s gaming industry is in relatively good shape.”
Pennsylvania’s online and retail sportsbooks accepted $447.5 million in wagers in May, down 6.7% from $479.4 million in April, according to official data released Thursday. Through 11 months of the fiscal year, sportsbooks have accepted $5.2 billion in bets.
“Without a national betting holiday like the Super Bowl or the NCAA Tournament, the summer months are dictated more by local interests,” said Valerie Cross, analyst for PlayPennsylvania.com.
“Pennsylvania’s sportsbooks are still well-positioned this summer, especially if the Sixers can figure a way past Atlanta, because they are less reliant on college sports than some other major markets.”
Online betting accounted for 91%, or $407.4 million, of May’s handle while retail sportsbooks took in $40.1 million in handle in May, led by Rivers-Philadelphia’s $6.7 million.
“The retail market is returning to relative health,” Gouker said. “What we’re really seeing in Pennsylvania, as well as other markets, is normalization. Nothing could be more welcome after such a difficult year.”
